Mugabe Reshuffles Cabinet after Purge

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe reshuffled his cabinet and appointed replacements for eight ministers sacked in a purge targetting his former deputy’s allies.

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Newly-appointed Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa — seen as a likely successor to the ageing leader — retained his post as justice minister while co-vice president Phelekezela Mphoko was appointed to the newly-created national healing, peace and reconciliation portfolio.

The reshuffle followed the dismissal this week of former vice-president and presidential hopeful Joice Mujuru and her allies accused of plotting to topple Mugabe, a charge they all deny.

Chief secretary to the president and cabinet Misheck Sibanda said in a statement the appointments came “following the relieving of former vice-president honourable Joyce Mujuru, seven ministers and one deputy minister of their posts.”

ZANU-PF party spokesman and former minister of state in the president’s office Simon Khaya Moyo is the new minister of economic planning.

Former deputy foreign affairs minister Chris Mutsvangwa is new minister in the newly-created portfolio of welfare services for war veterans, war collaborators and ex-detainees.